The Miami Heat have long moved on from the era of Dwyane Wade, the greatest player in the franchise’s history. That’s for certain, both of those facts.
Their team is now centered around Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. In the past few seasons, the duo has helped lead the Heat to success, including an NBA Finals appearance.
With that being the case though and with the Miami Heat’s illustrious history in mind, there may be no other player in the NBA right now who resembles Dwyane Wade more than one guy out in Salt Lake City.
That would be Donovan Mitchell.
The Utah Jazz star is an explosive guard with a jump shot adjusted to the three-point era. It’s no coincidence that Wade became the part-owner of the Utah Jazz.
Dwyane Wade’s shared similarities with Mitchell and their relationship was a huge reason why.
Even though he is now connected to the Jazz, Dwyane Wade will always be part of the Miami Heat though. You cannot think of the Miami Heat and not think of Dwyane Wade.
Miami Heat Rumors: Is A Donovan Mitchell Acquisition Inevitable?
Conversely, when you think of Dwyane Wade, you think of the Miami Heat. Miami was and always will be Wade County.
Wade’s tie to the Heat is not only a great relationship, but it can also be used for business. Donovan Mitchell has said that he was a Heat fan (subscription required) when he was young.
He has always admired Wade, even modeling his game after him, creating a linkage between the two before it ever really existed.
Recently though, he has been linked to the Miami Heat too.
I believe this is well documented & relatively obvious but…
— Greg Sylvander (@GregSylvander) January 14, 2022
I can confirm that if Donovan Mitchell were to ever ask out of Utah, it’s believed Miami would be his first choice and New York a more distant second as preferred destinations according to a league source.
Wouldn’t it be nice if Mitchell could play for the team that one of his idols played for?
If he wants to, Pat Riley and the Miami Heat would surely welcome him with open arms, right? Could Dwyane Wade’s presence in Utah even persuade him to join Miami?
Let’s chat about it all. It’s not as out there as it may initially seem on the surface.
Miami Heat Rumors: If Donovan Mitchell Ever Asks Out… Pat Riley Has Harpoons
In order for Mitchell to leave the Jazz, they either have to be a struggling team or he needs to be frustrated with them. Despite the rumors that he might want to leave, nothing seems immediately imminent, apparent at this moment, or in the near future.
The Utah Jazz are the fourth-best team in the West right now and they have been a top team for several seasons. The one issue with the Jazz, which could influence Mitchell, is their playoff success.
The Utah Jazz have shined in the regular season but have fallen short in the playoffs. Don’t be mistaken, Donovan Mitchell has played phenomenally in the playoffs, putting up insane scoring totals while leading the Jazz.
However, the Jazz have been unable to advance past the second round, a feat they arguably should have accomplished last season. If this trend continues, it could make Mitchell frustrated.
If he ever decides to leave, the Heat will be his first choice, according to his history and reports. Pat Riley needs to make this happen.
He would be a great addition to the team. He is a young superstar with more room to grow, who lives to attack the basket.
He has range and plays great defense. Having Mitchell in a Heat jersey would remind everyone of the great memories Dwyane Wade provided.
Donovan Mitchell is a special talent that any team would love to have. Hopefully, Pat Riley can make some more magic happen and add him to the Heat in the near future.
It only seems right.